#28 – LHP Zach Dotson

Why Ranked Here: The Mets were extremely pleased Dotson, who they had targeted earlier in the draft was available in the 13th round, and spent $500,000 to buy him out of a commitment to the University of Georgia. Dotson was a well-decorated high school athlete from Effingham County, which happens to border Chatham Count, the some of the Savannah Sand Gnats, so the ability to play a short drive from home at an early point in his professional career was a major draw for the lefthander. Immediately following the signing deadline, Mets Director of Amateur Scouting Rudy Terrasas said of Dotson,

“He’s a big strong, physical lefty. He’s about 6’3” about 210 lbs. His fastball has as good a life, and I’ve been scouting for 27 years, as I’ve ever seen. It’s in that 88-92 range. He’s got a feel a feel for the changeup, and he’ll flash you a pretty good breaking ball. I’m real excited about him”

2009: With Effingham County, Dotson was 7-3 with a 1.92 ERA with 98 K against just 17 walks in 51 IP as his rebels went 18-7.

Dr. Pangloss Says: As a lefthander with nice life on an average fastball, a feel for a changeup, and a promising breaking ball, projecting him up to the middle of the Mets rotation in a few years seems reasonable.

Debbie Downer Says: HS pitchers are hard to predict and get hurt. Talk to me when he gets past St. Lucie with his arm intact.